The Blademasters (Closed)

[Nira Said]

[Cardassian Weapons Control Station | Rasilak Shelem | Edge of the Danjika System]

Nira's wish seemed to have reached the ears of whatever deity might command her Hell's Angels, as D'Lorra surged in, leaping to thrust a mek'leth against the forearm of the hulking Cardassian warrior. The damage led to him releasing Nira from his grasp, and a follow-up thunk on the back of his neck from the Klingon warrior's hilt sank the man into unconsciousness. "Hah!" D'Lorra said, breathlessly. "You owe both of us, Princess!" she said, looking at the Cardassian with a grin.

Given the show of faith, Kohor gave his next orders. "If you know this ship, turncoat, guide them to your transporters, and send yourselves to the Bridge. Take it, but leave the Captain or the First Officer alive. Either will be answering to me."

At this, it was up to Jael to lead them to an available set of transporters on the station; Nira, Thiq, and Kergh, a small strike force to rend chaos on the Bridge of the Rasilak vessel. Kohor turned away, getting a communication from the TajHu, and shouting back orders in Klingon. It sounded as though the battle with the Cardassian artillery ship was pitched, and Jael was able to punch up an exterior shot of the space-fight on a tactical viewscreen nearby... One that Shas hadn't yet smashed. On the screen, disaster...

One of the K-32's had lost its shields due to contentrated disruptor fire from the other Rasilak, and from the Legate, and a follow-up torpedo from that same Legate-class vessel had eradicated a wing from the K-32. It was listing, shipboard lights failing, and there were likely fires on the ship, a deadly combination... Kohor swore in his native tongue, as only a Klingon could. It was up to those vessels out there to turn that tide. The boarding party had its own mission. Kohor's team would take Engineering to halt the ship from fleeing. And as for Nira and Jael...

Take the Bridge!

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Weapons Control | Cardassian Fleet Rasilak Shelem]

"I suppose so," said Nira with a grateful smile. "Thanks, D'Lorra. You too, Ensign Sherem."

"You're welcome, Lieutenant," replied Jael. She then smiled at Kohor's proposal. "I certainly will, Commander," she replied. "Oh, I'm relishing the thought; they're never going to see it coming."

She transmitted the thought to Nira and she smiled in amusement. It occurred to Nira that Jael knew she was a telepath. At the same time, Jael transmitted images of the Captain and First Officer to Nira, with an added note: Gul Sherem will be easier to take. He's not used to getting up close and personal.

Jael led the way and brought them to the transporters. She looked up with a grim smile and said, "Give my regards to Gul Zoram, you three. Energizing."

Once the three were beamed away, Jael pulled up the viewscreen...pretty much the only thing left in the room that hasn't been busted. And she was horrified by what she saw.

"Oh [spoiler]shit[/spoiler]," she snapped. "We're going to need to hurry."

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge | Cardassian Fleet Rasilak Shelem]

Nira, Thiq and Kergh beamed onto the bridge. Naturally, everybody was taken aback by the surprise arrival of a Starfleet officer flanked by two Klingon Battlemasters. Nira instantly recognized Gul Zoram from the image Jael allowed Nira to read. Before he so much as rose, Nira shoved him back and pinned him to the arms of the chair with her blades by jabbing them into his hands.

"Gul Zoram," she said smoothly yet dangerously. "Sherem's Daughter gives her regards."

"Like mother like daughter," Zoram grimaced. "Damn them both."

Nira kept Gul Zoram pinned where he was, keeping him her prisoner while she allowed Thiq and Kergh to massacre the rest of the crew. Though she was still suspicious of Kergh and was expecting him to pounce on Nira.

[Lagar]

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Weapons Control | Cardassian Fleet Rasilak Shelem]

"I suppose so," said Nira with a grateful smile. "Thanks, D'Lorra. You too, Ensign Sherem."

"You're welcome, Lieutenant," replied Jael. She then smiled at Kohor's proposal. "I certainly will, Commander," she replied. "Oh, I'm relishing the thought; they're never going to see it coming."

She transmitted the thought to Nira and she smiled in amusement. It occurred to Nira that Jael knew she was a telepath. At the same time, Jael transmitted images of the Captain and First Officer to Nira, with an added note: Gul Sherem will be easier to take. He's not used to getting up close and personal.

Jael led the way and brought them to the transporters. She looked up with a grim smile and said, "Give my regards to Gul Zoram, you three. Energizing."

Once the three were beamed away, Jael pulled up the viewscreen...pretty much the only thing left in the room that hasn't been busted. And she was horrified by what she saw.

"Oh [spoiler]shit[/spoiler]," she snapped. "We're going to need to hurry."

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge | Cardassian Fleet Rasilak Shelem]

Nira, Thiq and Kergh beamed onto the bridge. Naturally, everybody was taken aback by the surprise arrival of a Starfleet officer flanked by two Klingon Battlemasters. Nira instantly recognized Gul Zoram from the image Jael allowed Nira to read. Before he so much as rose, Nira shoved him back and pinned him to the arms of the chair with her blades by jabbing them into his hands.

"Gul Zoram," she said smoothly yet dangerously. "Sherem's Daughter gives her regards."

"Like mother like daughter," Zoram grimaced. "Damn them both."

Nira kept Gul Zoram pinned where he was, keeping him her prisoner while she allowed Thiq and Kergh to massacre the rest of the crew. Though she was still suspicious of Kergh and was expecting him to pounce on Nira.

[Bridge | Rasilak Shelem | Edge of the Danjika System]

Gul Zoram could only hiss with pain as the jambiyas dug into his hands. The wounds would be easily healed later, but in the moment, his arms were effectively mobilized, and any struggling might only serve to cause serious damage to his own limbs. As his Bridge officers drew weapons from near their consoles, Nira could get a better look at the space around her. The Bridge of the Rasilak Shelem was orderly, clean, and obviously managed in a military fashion. Though they were acting as pirates, raiding Klingon space and likely elsewhere beyond, they were organized. They were Cardassian.

Gul Zoram's furious eyes turned to his comrades, watching his two helmsmen fall in short order to the practiced bladed thrusts of Battlemaster Thiq. Kergh, despite his slight stature, was a whirlwind, dashing under the downward mace swing of a tactical officer and bringing his own bat'leth up through the Cardassian's chest. The tactical officer fell back, and in his place stepped the Cardassian woman who had been at the communications station, firing a disruptor pistol low toward Kergh's center. The blast took him in the hip, but he pushed past the pain, striking her weapon away with such force that the pistol clattered to the floor near Nira and her captive.

Thiq dispatched his own foes, and this left both Thiq and Kergh to face off against one last Cardassian whose position was unknown. He wielded another long mace, and had a dagger at his hip, and with a leap he brought himself onto a wide, flat console station. He could drop behind it if any drew a ranged weapon on him, or remain there and use his height and reach to bat away any attackers. It was a tenuous position, but one that afforded him height and a little maneuverability.

Gul Zoram saw that this fight wasn't going his way, so he hissed through the pain to Nira. "Starfleet..." he began, "You have rules. Prohibitions." He looked the two Klingon battlemasters, knowing that they had their own rules of engagement, and their own way of treating prisoners. "I surrender to you, Starfleet. Your captive... urghh.... Not theirs..."

It was a desperate gambit on his part, to be sure, and likely one that required the swallowing of a significant amount of pride... But even a Cardassian had fears, and Klingon capture might just be one of them for this Gul.

[Nira Said]

[Bridge | Rasilak Shelem | Edge of the Danjika System]

Gul Zoram could only hiss with pain as the jambiyas dug into his hands. The wounds would be easily healed later, but in the moment, his arms were effectively mobilized, and any struggling might only serve to cause serious damage to his own limbs. As his Bridge officers drew weapons from near their consoles, Nira could get a better look at the space around her. The Bridge of the Rasilak Shelem was orderly, clean, and obviously managed in a military fashion. Though they were acting as pirates, raiding Klingon space and likely elsewhere beyond, they were organized. They were Cardassian.

Gul Zoram's furious eyes turned to his comrades, watching his two helmsmen fall in short order to the practiced bladed thrusts of Battlemaster Thiq. Kergh, despite his slight stature, was a whirlwind, dashing under the downward mace swing of a tactical officer and bringing his own bat'leth up through the Cardassian's chest. The tactical officer fell back, and in his place stepped the Cardassian woman who had been at the communications station, firing a disruptor pistol low toward Kergh's center. The blast took him in the hip, but he pushed past the pain, striking her weapon away with such force that the pistol clattered to the floor near Nira and her captive.

Thiq dispatched his own foes, and this left both Thiq and Kergh to face off against one last Cardassian whose position was unknown. He wielded another long mace, and had a dagger at his hip, and with a leap he brought himself onto a wide, flat console station. He could drop behind it if any drew a ranged weapon on him, or remain there and use his height and reach to bat away any attackers. It was a tenuous position, but one that afforded him height and a little maneuverability.

Gul Zoram saw that this fight wasn't going his way, so he hissed through the pain to Nira. "Starfleet..." he began, "You have rules. Prohibitions." He looked the two Klingon battlemasters, knowing that they had their own rules of engagement, and their own way of treating prisoners. "I surrender to you, Starfleet. Your captive... urghh.... Not theirs..."

It was a desperate gambit on his part, to be sure, and likely one that required the swallowing of a significant amount of pride... But even a Cardassian had fears, and Klingon capture might just be one of them for this Gul.

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge | Cardassian Fleet Rasilak Shelem]

Nira raised an eyebrow at the fact that Gul Zoram was surrendering to her specifically. She wondered what he had against Klingons. That perhaps he dealt with Klingons in the brief war between Cardassians and Klingons shortly before the Dominion War.

"I can't guarantee that," she said. "You've been raiding in their territory. Therefore, you're likely going to have to deal with jurisdiction of the Klingons. Particularly him," she added, nodding at Kergh, "since you've been attacking freighters operating under his House."

Besides, had she been any higher rank, she would've put him under Federation arrest, but as it was, there was the chain of command, and his role in piracy against Klingons meant this fell under Klingon jurisdiction. Nira was only with them because of the Officer Exchange Program. And Jael was a sort of infiltrator, all she was doing was finding information, not arresting people.

[Lagar]

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge | Cardassian Fleet Rasilak Shelem]

Nira raised an eyebrow at the fact that Gul Zoram was surrendering to her specifically. She wondered what he had against Klingons. That perhaps he dealt with Klingons in the brief war between Cardassians and Klingons shortly before the Dominion War.

"I can't guarantee that," she said. "You've been raiding in their territory. Therefore, you're likely going to have to deal with jurisdiction of the Klingons. Particularly him," she added, nodding at Kergh, "since you've been attacking freighters operating under his House."

Besides, had she been any higher rank, she would've put him under Federation arrest, but as it was, there was the chain of command, and his role in piracy against Klingons meant this fell under Klingon jurisdiction. Nira was only with them because of the Officer Exchange Program. And Jael was a sort of infiltrator, all she was doing was finding information, not arresting people.

[Bridge | Rasilak Shelem | Edge of the Danjika System]

The disappointment was clear on the elder Cardassian male's face, twinged with hated. As Kergh and Thiq faced off against the Cardassian on the high ground, Gul Zoram could only watch, recognizing that because the Starfleet officer had refused to give him an 'out', he would surely fall into the hands of the Klingons.

Atop the console, the Cardassian kept his footing; he was a trained fighter, this one, and likely the First Officer of this particular ship. Thiq and Kergh played off each other, with Kergh swiping from afar with his bat'leth to give Thiq openings with his shorter blades. They communicated in Klingon, though it sounded more like arguing about tactics than anything else. Battlemaster Thiq drew first blood, striking a mek'leth against the extended ankle of the Cardassian, but that damned long mace in those damned long arms came back around too swiftly, striking solidly into Thiq's neck and jaw. The impact shook his head fiercely, whipping his long locks of hair about, and he released an unearthly sound, guttural, as he fell sideways. His arms moved out to catch himself, indicating he wasn't immediately unconscious from the blow, but he hit an angular Cardassian console heavily with his midsection as he went down. Had he been human or betazoid, he would've broken several ribs, but the unique bone structure of the Klingon body held up. He was alive, but out of the fight, and this left the wounded Kergh alone.

Kergh cursed, but did not waste time. Now alone, he dashed to the side and leapt to the top of a console himself, growling through the intense pain of his existing wound. "Princess! Lieutenant!" he snarled. "Kill that fool and join me in combat! Our orders are to capture only one of them, and we will capture this one!"

[Nira Said]

[Bridge | Rasilak Shelem | Edge of the Danjika System]

The disappointment was clear on the elder Cardassian male's face, twinged with hated. As Kergh and Thiq faced off against the Cardassian on the high ground, Gul Zoram could only watch, recognizing that because the Starfleet officer had refused to give him an 'out', he would surely fall into the hands of the Klingons.

Atop the console, the Cardassian kept his footing; he was a trained fighter, this one, and likely the First Officer of this particular ship. Thiq and Kergh played off each other, with Kergh swiping from afar with his bat'leth to give Thiq openings with his shorter blades. They communicated in Klingon, though it sounded more like arguing about tactics than anything else. Battlemaster Thiq drew first blood, striking a mek'leth against the extended ankle of the Cardassian, but that damned long mace in those damned long arms came back around too swiftly, striking solidly into Thiq's neck and jaw. The impact shook his head fiercely, whipping his long locks of hair about, and he released an unearthly sound, guttural, as he fell sideways. His arms moved out to catch himself, indicating he wasn't immediately unconscious from the blow, but he hit an angular Cardassian console heavily with his midsection as he went down. Had he been human or betazoid, he would've broken several ribs, but the unique bone structure of the Klingon body held up. He was alive, but out of the fight, and this left the wounded Kergh alone.

Kergh cursed, but did not waste time. Now alone, he dashed to the side and leapt to the top of a console himself, growling through the intense pain of his existing wound. "Princess! Lieutenant!" he snarled. "Kill that fool and join me in combat! Our orders are to capture only one of them, and we will capture this one!"

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge | Cardassian Fleet Rasilak Shelem]

Nira looked over and saw a big Cardassian do a number of Thiq. She winced when he was struck by the mace. She realized she had to help before Kergh bellowed for help. But capture him...even if Kohor asked only for one, Nira had a feeling he was going to get more than he bargained for.

She looked back at Gul Zoram briefly and tested her blades experimentally before she jammed them further into the chair arms...and further into Zoram's hands, ensuring he remains in his chair.

"You're not going anywhere," said Nira, driving the point home. With that, she withdrew a mek'leth that she had strapped in the back, secured by her belt, and joined the fray to help Kergh. She managed to catch the mace with her mek'leth by hooking it just as the Cardassian knocked Kergh over with a shove of his mace. All the while, Nira analyzed the best scenario to take him down:

Parry with mek'leth, done. Shove mace back into his face. Jab on the ribs with hilt. Trip with sweep while he's disoriented. Strike face with flat of the blade, then again in the back of the head. Result: unconcious, potential for broken rib, some shattered teeth and a twisted ankle.

And she did just that: She shoved the mace back into his face, then jabbed his ribs with the mek'leth's blade, then tripped him with a capoiera sweep and then knocked him unconcious with strikes with the flat of the mek'leth.

Putting back her mek'leth, she looked back at Kergh and said coldly, "You're welcome." Then she returned to Gul Zoram and brought the knives out. They were so deep, they were stained with Cardassian blood, though it would've looked to Nira that she had dipped her knives in ink instead.

With one knife at the gul's throat, Nira said, "On your feet, Gul. Looks like you and your first officer are coming with us. Certainly a bonus for our captain."

[Lagar]

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge | Cardassian Fleet Rasilak Shelem]

Nira looked over and saw a big Cardassian do a number of Thiq. She winced when he was struck by the mace. She realized she had to help before Kergh bellowed for help. But capture him...even if Kohor asked only for one, Nira had a feeling he was going to get more than he bargained for.

She looked back at Gul Zoram briefly and tested her blades experimentally before she jammed them further into the chair arms...and further into Zoram's hands, ensuring he remains in his chair.

"You're not going anywhere," said Nira, driving the point home. With that, she withdrew a mek'leth that she had strapped in the back, secured by her belt, and joined the fray to help Kergh. She managed to catch the mace with her mek'leth by hooking it just as the Cardassian knocked Kergh over with a shove of his mace. All the while, Nira analyzed the best scenario to take him down:

Parry with mek'leth, done. Shove mace back into his face. Jab on the ribs with hilt. Trip with sweep while he's disoriented. Strike face with flat of the blade, then again in the back of the head. Result: unconcious, potential for broken rib, some shattered teeth and a twisted ankle.

And she did just that: She shoved the mace back into his face, then jabbed his ribs with the mek'leth's blade, then tripped him with a capoiera sweep and then knocked him unconcious with strikes with the flat of the mek'leth.

Putting back her mek'leth, she looked back at Kergh and said coldly, "You're welcome." Then she returned to Gul Zoram and brought the knives out. They were so deep, they were stained with Cardassian blood, though it would've looked to Nira that she had dipped her knives in ink instead.

With one knife at the gul's throat, Nira said, "On your feet, Gul. Looks like you and your first officer are coming with us. Certainly a bonus for our captain."

[Bridge | Rasilak Shelem | Edge of the Danjika System]

Kergh dropped to a knee on the console as Nira took over the battle, the pain of burned bone and flesh, and the drawdown of the fight, finally overtaking him. He couldn't even protest at his virtual defeat at her hands, hanging his head instead. Gul Zoram, similarly was subdued, and could only grumble curses in his native tongue which the universal translator failed to interpret.

With control of the Bridge, Nira was able to help coordinate the takeover of the rest of the ship. Engineering had been taken handily by Captain Kohor and his group, and the final battles became routs without the Cardassian Captain or his First Officer to command the pirates. Jael found multiple opportunities to assist while steering clear of Klingon warriors who didn't know her to be an ally, until finally she joined Nira on the Bridge, Captain Kohor and his adopted son, Gor'Jum, who immediately attended to the unconscious Thiq, assisted by Kergh. Kohor snarled at the captured Captain and First Officer, damned impressed with the success on the Bridge despite the serious wounds incurred by his Battlemasters. "Fine work, warriors, we-"

He halted, his focus now on the Shelem's display screen with confusion. Beyond, the second Rasilak ship was disabled, but so too was one of their K-32's, which was still listing and heavily damaged after the loss of an entire wing. Now, the TajHu, its sister Raptor, and their surviving K-32 were in a pitched long-ranged battle with the artillery ship Legate. The TajHu's shields were buckling as it had taken another accurate disruptor shot, and the Mat'Ha's crew were... To the combined horror of most of the occupants of the bridge, the distant Legate released a pair of torpedoes at the other Rasilak, its own fellow Cardassian ship, striking it solidly in at its power core. The vessel exploded, casting tremendous hunks of hull and pulses of energy into the space around it, shaking the Shelem to the point where Kergh nearly topped over onto the prone Thiq, who they were trying to revive. That destruction meant the slaying of any Cardassian survivors on her, but also many of the Klingon warriors of the Mat'Ha who had boarded it as well. Gul Zoram laughed against the pain of his hands, until he remembered the knife at his leathery neck, and fell quiet.

Captain Kohor leapt into the vacated Captain's chair, ignoring the dark gray Cardassian blood staining it, but the controls were locked out, completely unavailable to him. "Damn... Damn!" he swore. The universal translators picked that up decently. He turned to Nira, Jael and his son. "That damned bombardier is going to eradicate us as well, and flee the system! Options, quickly!"

[Nira Said]

[Bridge | Rasilak Shelem | Edge of the Danjika System]

Kergh dropped to a knee on the console as Nira took over the battle, the pain of burned bone and flesh, and the drawdown of the fight, finally overtaking him. He couldn't even protest at his virtual defeat at her hands, hanging his head instead. Gul Zoram, similarly was subdued, and could only grumble curses in his native tongue which the universal translator failed to interpret.

With control of the Bridge, Nira was able to help coordinate the takeover of the rest of the ship. Engineering had been taken handily by Captain Kohor and his group, and the final battles became routs without the Cardassian Captain or his First Officer to command the pirates. Jael found multiple opportunities to assist while steering clear of Klingon warriors who didn't know her to be an ally, until finally she joined Nira on the Bridge, Captain Kohor and his adopted son, Gor'Jum, who immediately attended to the unconscious Thiq, assisted by Kergh. Kohor snarled at the captured Captain and First Officer, damned impressed with the success on the Bridge despite the serious wounds incurred by his Battlemasters. "Fine work, warriors, we-"

He halted, his focus now on the Shelem's display screen with confusion. Beyond, the second Rasilak ship was disabled, but so too was one of their K-32's, which was still listing and heavily damaged after the loss of an entire wing. Now, the TajHu, its sister Raptor, and their surviving K-32 were in a pitched long-ranged battle with the artillery ship Legate. The TajHu's shields were buckling as it had taken another accurate disruptor shot, and the Mat'Ha's crew were... To the combined horror of most of the occupants of the bridge, the distant Legate released a pair of torpedoes at the other Rasilak, its own fellow Cardassian ship, striking it solidly in at its power core. The vessel exploded, casting tremendous hunks of hull and pulses of energy into the space around it, shaking the Shelem to the point where Kergh nearly topped over onto the prone Thiq, who they were trying to revive. That destruction meant the slaying of any Cardassian survivors on her, but also many of the Klingon warriors of the Mat'Ha who had boarded it as well. Gul Zoram laughed against the pain of his hands, until he remembered the knife at his leathery neck, and fell quiet.

Captain Kohor leapt into the vacated Captain's chair, ignoring the dark gray Cardassian blood staining it, but the controls were locked out, completely unavailable to him. "Damn... Damn!" he swore. The universal translators picked that up decently. He turned to Nira, Jael and his son. "That damned bombardier is going to eradicate us as well, and flee the system! Options, quickly!"

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge | Cardassian Fleet Rasilak Shelem]

Nira stood shocked. If the Legate was bombarding its own fellow ship, it meant Klingons had seized the ship as well. It was only a matter of time before they were next. Nira could see controls were locked out. She turned to Jael.

"You've got command functions, don't you?" she asked.

"Assuming Gul Zoram hasn't cut me off," Jael replied, looking at her superior, but Zoram grimaced. Nira knew what that meant...

"I wish I had the time to do so," he grimaced. "But..."

Nira then clasped a hand over his mouth and looked over at Jael and nodded. Jael then unlocked the controls.

"Yes!" she said. "Although since it's a matter of time before we're next...assuming you all don't want anything in the computer core, and I have as much information downloaded from it..." she brought a hand into her armored suit and pulled out a chip before putting it back in...the old bosom hiding trick... "you should have helm control..."

"You want to ram the ship, Ensign?" asked Nira.

"Ram the ship and detonate the core in that behemoth's face," said Jael in savage triumph.

[Lagar]

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge | Cardassian Fleet Rasilak Shelem]

Nira stood shocked. If the Legate was bombarding its own fellow ship, it meant Klingons had seized the ship as well. It was only a matter of time before they were next. Nira could see controls were locked out. She turned to Jael.

"You've got command functions, don't you?" she asked.

"Assuming Gul Zoram hasn't cut me off," Jael replied, looking at her superior, but Zoram grimaced. Nira knew what that meant...

"I wish I had the time to do so," he grimaced. "But..."

Nira then clasped a hand over his mouth and looked over at Jael and nodded. Jael then unlocked the controls.

"Yes!" she said. "Although since it's a matter of time before we're next...assuming you all don't want anything in the computer core, and I have as much information downloaded from it..." she brought a hand into her armored suit and pulled out a chip before putting it back in...the old bosom hiding trick... "you should have helm control..."

"You want to ram the ship, Ensign?" asked Nira.

"Ram the ship and detonate the core in that behemoth's face," said Jael in savage triumph.

[Bridge | Rasilak Shelem | Edge of the Danjika System]

Kohor considered the options as he verified the controls were now free. With the view screen under their command, and with a bit of struggling given the foreign controls, Kohor brought up a battlefield overlay on the main Shelem screen on the Bridge. It showed the Legate-class vessel still at its optimal distance from their ships, though their K-32 was drawing nearer to the Legate as carefully as it could. "Our warriors have already taken Engineering, but only impulse speeds will be possible. They disabled warp capabilities on my orders, and likely not in a way that can be easily repaired." he stated, and any readout would confirm his words. Klingon warriors had slaughtered the Cardassian engineers who dared stand against them in the Rasilak's engineering bay, and had slashed cables and destroyed monitoring stations in a very Klingon fashion. Warp was impossible, and only impulse could be achieved. "We can push this ship toward our final foe, but it will surely be destroyed before it comes near enough to harm that Duq'aD DIvI'HuD. But, even if we do not charge, this vessel will be targetted."

Nearby, Battlemaster Thiq groaned, alive, but unwell. He would need time to recover. Kergh and Gor'Jum left him to rest on the floor; the extent of Klingon first aid was to ensure a warrior had not yet died, and leave him to cling to life as long as he could, on his own. Gor'Jum received data from the TajHu after confirming his identity to the comms officer there. "Father, the TajHu tells us that she cannot cloak. The Mat'Ha and the remaining K-32 can."

The first freighter, whose shields had been disabled by the two Rasilaks in the first opening volley, had recovered entirely, but was ignored as a pitiful combatant by the Legate. Similarly, the other two freighters were unharmed. None of the freighters were equipped with cloaks. If some of the ships engaged their cloaks, the Legate would have fewer enemies to target, and might simply eradicate the freighters, or turn tail and flee immediately.

Kohor slammed his fist against his leg in frustration. "Options!" he growled.

[Nira Said]

[Bridge | Rasilak Shelem | Edge of the Danjika System]

Kohor considered the options as he verified the controls were now free. With the view screen under their command, and with a bit of struggling given the foreign controls, Kohor brought up a battlefield overlay on the main Shelem screen on the Bridge. It showed the Legate-class vessel still at its optimal distance from their ships, though their K-32 was drawing nearer to the Legate as carefully as it could. "Our warriors have already taken Engineering, but only impulse speeds will be possible. They disabled warp capabilities on my orders, and likely not in a way that can be easily repaired." he stated, and any readout would confirm his words. Klingon warriors had slaughtered the Cardassian engineers who dared stand against them in the Rasilak's engineering bay, and had slashed cables and destroyed monitoring stations in a very Klingon fashion. Warp was impossible, and only impulse could be achieved. "We can push this ship toward our final foe, but it will surely be destroyed before it comes near enough to harm that Duq'aD DIvI'HuD. But, even if we do not charge, this vessel will be targetted."

Nearby, Battlemaster Thiq groaned, alive, but unwell. He would need time to recover. Kergh and Gor'Jum left him to rest on the floor; the extent of Klingon first aid was to ensure a warrior had not yet died, and leave him to cling to life as long as he could, on his own. Gor'Jum received data from the TajHu after confirming his identity to the comms officer there. "Father, the TajHu tells us that she cannot cloak. The Mat'Ha and the remaining K-32 can."

The first freighter, whose shields had been disabled by the two Rasilaks in the first opening volley, had recovered entirely, but was ignored as a pitiful combatant by the Legate. Similarly, the other two freighters were unharmed. None of the freighters were equipped with cloaks. If some of the ships engaged their cloaks, the Legate would have fewer enemies to target, and might simply eradicate the freighters, or turn tail and flee immediately.

Kohor slammed his fist against his leg in frustration. "Options!" he growled.

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge | Cardassian Fleet Rasilak Shelem]

They were running out of time, and it was clear to Nira that the controls were locked out...

"That behemoth doesn't know you're a traitor, right?" she asked Jael.

"No...why?"

"Hail them and convince them to drop shields so survivors can beam over," she said. "As for the other ships...Kohor, I recommend the other ships cloak to look as if they're getting away, but have them stick around to surprise that behemoth when its shields are down. They'll also be so focused on those freighters, they won't notice."

Once the plan was agreed to, Jael opened hailing frequencies to the Legate bombarder.

"Glinn Sherem to Pagag!" she called in horror, audio only. "We need help! Lower shields, quickly! We're losing ground here on the Shelem, lower shields so we can get out of here!"

A voice came through. "This is Gul Jarom of the Pagag. Glinn, if we lower shields, how do we know you won't be followed?"

"Raise them again once we're over! We're losing time! DO you want my father to hear about losing his loyal daughter?!?"

"Very well, very well," said the Gul hastily. "Let us know when you're ready to transport over."

Nira raised an eyebrow. The threat about Jael's father seemed to scare the Gul into compliance. In other words, the Gul was scared of Jael's father.

[Lagar]

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge | Cardassian Fleet Rasilak Shelem]

They were running out of time, and it was clear to Nira that the controls were locked out...

"That behemoth doesn't know you're a traitor, right?" she asked Jael.

"No...why?"

"Hail them and convince them to drop shields so survivors can beam over," she said. "As for the other ships...Kohor, I recommend the other ships cloak to look as if they're getting away, but have them stick around to surprise that behemoth when its shields are down. They'll also be so focused on those freighters, they won't notice."

Once the plan was agreed to, Jael opened hailing frequencies to the Legate bombarder.

"Glinn Sherem to Pagag!" she called in horror, audio only. "We need help! Lower shields, quickly! We're losing ground here on the Shelem, lower shields so we can get out of here!"

A voice came through. "This is Gul Jarom of the Pagag. Glinn, if we lower shields, how do we know you won't be followed?"

"Raise them again once we're over! We're losing time! DO you want my father to hear about losing his loyal daughter?!?"

"Very well, very well," said the Gul hastily. "Let us know when you're ready to transport over."

Nira raised an eyebrow. The threat about Jael's father seemed to scare the Gul into compliance. In other words, the Gul was scared of Jael's father.

[Bridge | Rasilak Shelem | Edge of the Danjika System]

Cooperating with the plan, Captain Kohor issued orders to the Mat'Ha and the K-32. Several TajHu boarders on board the Rasilak-class Shelem together with a small number of surviving Cardassian prisoners, were beamed from the Shelem to the functional K-32. This included the Shelem captain, wounded hands and all, as well as his defeated First Officer. Both men swore threats against Jael and Nira as the Cardassian transporters sent them to their new home... This left a small, elite team of boarders available on the Shelem, as well as more Cardassian captives still on the ship and under their control.

Kohor, his heart heavy, also ordered all unnecessary crew off of the TajHu, knowing it might become a target of the Pagag, as it could not cloak. This left a skeleton crew on the TajHu, with orders to move evasively in tandem with the three freighters. The ships were to attempt to tractor the dead-in-space K-32 out of range, but that was a tall order given the sheer reach of the Pagag.

The Pagag neared, its scanners telling it of the apparent departure of the Klingon vessels. Its weapons were hot, but in the supposed brief cease-fire of the moment, it had halted firing. Its crew were surely exhausted, having sustained a near constant series of torpedo rounds to severely destructive effect. In moments, it was close enough to the Shelem, but its shields remained up, and its scanners worked over the smaller vessel. The tense moment became tenser as there was silence on the communicators.

Gul Jarom, in an audio-only transmission, spoke out over the airwaves. He sounded skeptical. "Glinn Sherem, we're reading severe internal damage to your ship. Were you boarded while your shields were down?" An unidentified female Cardassian voice spoke out as well on the same channel. "We're seeing both Klingon and Cardassian biosigns aboard, and for some reason we're seeing... a Betazoid life sign on the bridge?" This second voice may have been a science or communications officer of some kind. The Pagag wasn't firing, maybe an explanation for the various biosigns had to be given before they would drop shields!

[Nira Said]

[Bridge | Rasilak Shelem | Edge of the Danjika System]

Cooperating with the plan, Captain Kohor issued orders to the Mat'Ha and the K-32. Several TajHu boarders on board the Rasilak-class Shelem together with a small number of surviving Cardassian prisoners, were beamed from the Shelem to the functional K-32. This included the Shelem captain, wounded hands and all, as well as his defeated First Officer. Both men swore threats against Jael and Nira as the Cardassian transporters sent them to their new home... This left a small, elite team of boarders available on the Shelem, as well as more Cardassian captives still on the ship and under their control.

Kohor, his heart heavy, also ordered all unnecessary crew off of the TajHu, knowing it might become a target of the Pagag, as it could not cloak. This left a skeleton crew on the TajHu, with orders to move evasively in tandem with the three freighters. The ships were to attempt to tractor the dead-in-space K-32 out of range, but that was a tall order given the sheer reach of the Pagag.

The Pagag neared, its scanners telling it of the apparent departure of the Klingon vessels. Its weapons were hot, but in the supposed brief cease-fire of the moment, it had halted firing. Its crew were surely exhausted, having sustained a near constant series of torpedo rounds to severely destructive effect. In moments, it was close enough to the Shelem, but its shields remained up, and its scanners worked over the smaller vessel. The tense moment became tenser as there was silence on the communicators.

Gul Jarom, in an audio-only transmission, spoke out over the airwaves. He sounded skeptical. "Glinn Sherem, we're reading severe internal damage to your ship. Were you boarded while your shields were down?" An unidentified female Cardassian voice spoke out as well on the same channel. "We're seeing both Klingon and Cardassian biosigns aboard, and for some reason we're seeing... a Betazoid life sign on the bridge?" This second voice may have been a science or communications officer of some kind. The Pagag wasn't firing, maybe an explanation for the various biosigns had to be given before they would drop shields!

Nira cringed at the mention, she forgot about sensor readings, but Jael pressed on.

"The Klingons have captured a Starfleet officer!" she shouted. "They thought she would be valuable. Well, I think she'll be more valuable with us! We got her! And the barbarians are very determined to lay waste to get to her! And, yes, we have been boarded, why do you think I said we're losing ground?!? Lower shields now! WE'RE GETTING OUR PRISONER OUT OF HERE!!! LET US ABOARD!"

Oh, she's good, Nira thought to herself. I hope it'll be enough to lower shields to get over. It's a good indication that that monster isn't firing at us.

She did notice that huge ship wasn't firing. Was Jael that valuable among the Cardassian pirates? And Jael certainly did a good job at the pure terror and desperation, could be enough to prompt lowering shields.

[Lagar]

Nira cringed at the mention, she forgot about sensor readings, but Jael pressed on.

"The Klingons have captured a Starfleet officer!" she shouted. "They thought she would be valuable. Well, I think she'll be more valuable with us! We got her! And the barbarians are very determined to lay waste to get to her! And, yes, we have been boarded, why do you think I said we're losing ground?!? Lower shields now! WE'RE GETTING OUR PRISONER OUT OF HERE!!! LET US ABOARD!"

Oh, she's good, Nira thought to herself. I hope it'll be enough to lower shields to get over. It's a good indication that that monster isn't firing at us.

She did notice that huge ship wasn't firing. Was Jael that valuable among the Cardassian pirates? And Jael certainly did a good job at the pure terror and desperation, could be enough to prompt lowering shields.

[Bridge | Rasilak Shelem | Edge of the Danjika System]

The capture of a Starfleet officer was a further enticement beyond Jael's importance that seemed to energize the commander of the Legate-class ship, and pushed him to ignore the little warning signs that were surely attempting to blare in his mind. In moments, the vessel's shields dropped! Jael and Nira had their moment! Captain Kohor and his son stood, preparing to coordinate the mass beaming of Klingon warriors, including the able-bodied on the Shelem's Bridge, over to the enemy vessel...

[Nira Said]

[Bridge | Rasilak Shelem | Edge of the Danjika System]

The capture of a Starfleet officer was a further enticement beyond Jael's importance that seemed to energize the commander of the Legate-class ship, and pushed him to ignore the little warning signs that were surely attempting to blare in his mind. In moments, the vessel's shields dropped! Jael and Nira had their moment! Captain Kohor and his son stood, preparing to coordinate the mass beaming of Klingon warriors, including the able-bodied on the Shelem's Bridge, over to the enemy vessel...

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge >- Bridge | Cardassian Fleet Rasilak Shelem >- Cardassian Flagship Pagag]

"Indeed?" came the reply. "Stand by."

Jael smiled, and so did Nira. It seemed like it's working, there was some intrigue in the replies, Nira can read that much in the sound of the voices. With that, Jael beamed over Nira and the Klingons, wishing she could see the look on the officer's faces at the surprise she was sending over, and she came in last.

The moment they beamed aboard, Nira took in the Bridge crew of the Pagag: Their captain, unarmed, who was oddly short; A female first officer; a female science officer; a female tactical officer, a male operations officer; and two female security guards, armed with rifles and sheathed daggers. The first officer drew her pistol and the science officer, the very voice Nira was hearing, said in surprise, "What the hell is this?"

"Jael Sherem sends her regards," said Nira with a smirk. She acted quickly, hoping the Klingons would follow suit.

Springing quickly, she sliced the officer's hands, including the one holding the pistol, ensuring both hands won't pick up a pistol, and then grabbed her by the hair and knocked her unconcious by slammign the head down on the console. She drew a phaser, stunned the Captain, and would've fired again when she felt a slice against a shoulder blade. Feeling hot blood down her back, she whirled around and saw the tactical officer, a dagger in her hand. She would've then skewered Nira if she didn't catch the blade with her own pair.

"So...treason," she said, figuring it out. "And you throwing your lot with these savages?"

"Exchange program," she said. "And who do I find while on exchange but pirates? And you sound as if Jem'Hadar were backing you up."

"You have no idea, Betazoid," the officer snarled, getting a good look at Nira's eyes.

[Lagar]

[Lieutenant Nira Said | Bridge >- Bridge | Cardassian Fleet Rasilak Shelem >- Cardassian Flagship Pagag]

"Indeed?" came the reply. "Stand by."

Jael smiled, and so did Nira. It seemed like it's working, there was some intrigue in the replies, Nira can read that much in the sound of the voices. With that, Jael beamed over Nira and the Klingons, wishing she could see the look on the officer's faces at the surprise she was sending over, and she came in last.

The moment they beamed aboard, Nira took in the Bridge crew of the Pagag: Their captain, unarmed, who was oddly short; A female first officer; a female science officer; a female tactical officer, a male operations officer; and two female security guards, armed with rifles and sheathed daggers. The first officer drew her pistol and the science officer, the very voice Nira was hearing, said in surprise, "What the hell is this?"

"Jael Sherem sends her regards," said Nira with a smirk. She acted quickly, hoping the Klingons would follow suit.

Springing quickly, she sliced the officer's hands, including the one holding the pistol, ensuring both hands won't pick up a pistol, and then grabbed her by the hair and knocked her unconcious by slammign the head down on the console. She drew a phaser, stunned the Captain, and would've fired again when she felt a slice against a shoulder blade. Feeling hot blood down her back, she whirled around and saw the tactical officer, a dagger in her hand. She would've then skewered Nira if she didn't catch the blade with her own pair.

"So...treason," she said, figuring it out. "And you throwing your lot with these savages?"

"Exchange program," she said. "And who do I find while on exchange but pirates? And you sound as if Jem'Hadar were backing you up."

"You have no idea, Betazoid," the officer snarled, getting a good look at Nira's eyes.

[Bridge - IKS TajHu - Klothor Base and Mining Colony - Pheben IV]

It had been a week since the successful, though bloody, engagements in the Danjika System. The task force of the TajHu, the Mat'Ha and the pair of K-32's had been victorious in their heroic effort to end the piratical raids of the Cardassian brigands. The crews had been routed handily, and the captured Bridge crew made for valuable prisoners; many of them were transferred to the custody of Starfleet Intelligence, though the Captain of the Rasilak Shelem was given to House I'Prgho as some kind of restitution for the damage done to that House's holdings. Nira, and Jael, were given one last part of their assignment, which was to be completed on the Bridge of the TajHu...

[size=7.5pt]Captain Kohor pinning medals on Klingon Warriors aboard the TajHu. Image is art from the Star Trek RPG Sourcebook 'The Klingons'.[/size]

Arrayed on the Bridge of the TajHu were the captains of the three I'Prgho freighters, the captains of the two K-32's, and the First Officer of the Mat'Ha, whose Captain was slain in the destruction of the Rasilak-class Cardassian fighter after its successful boarding. Also among the group was a Battlemaster of the Mat'Ha and one of the K-32's respectively, as well as Battlemaster Thiq, Nira Said, and Jael Sherem. Captain Kohor, dour even in this moment, had finished telling the First Officer of the Mat'Ha that he was proud of the warrior's efforts in leading the ship after the honorable death of his Captain, and he had pinned a mdeal on him, and on the Battlemasters of the other ships, before he stood before Thiq, Nira, and Jael. Battlemaster Thiq had endured a brutal wound across his skull; the damaged flesh left a canyon through his hair, and his sense of balance had been thrown into complete chaos. He had to move slowly, suffering vertigo near-constantly even on flat surfaces. More than one, he had been spotted placing a hand on nearby surfaces to steady himself. Even to Nira, the non-Klingon, there was a sense of worry about his future as a Battlemaster without such an important kinetic sense. Would his fellow warriors listen to him, be led by him, if this disability was permanent? The Klingon disdain for proper medical care, or for having a physical disability, might mean that Thiq's future was in jeopardy.

"Battlemaster Thiq." Kohor began. "Your expertise, your skill as a warrior and a trainer of Klingons, made the success of our boarding possible. You led my troops aboard their vessel, and you put your body and life on the line so that the Bridge of the Shelem could be stolen from the enemy. I grant you this, the Decoration of the Warrior's Sacrifice." Thiq's face was as grim as Kohor's as the medal was pinned on the warrior's chest. The medal recognized the loss, made it formal, but also made it an honorable and recognized sacrifice. Perhaps... perhaps it would help, rather than hinder Thiq's recovery...

The Captain then stood before Nira and Jael, his expression shifting to one a little softer, a little easier. "Lieutenant Said, Ensign Shelem. You shed blood for this Empire, a fighting force of which you are not members. Lieutenant Said, your efforts in training our soldiers gave them valuable insight into the Cardassian fighting style. Your tactics vexed the enemy, and your twin blades, your own daqtaghs, served you well during the boarding. Ensign Shelem, your wicked treachery makes you a dangerous warrior, and without your knowledge of the Cardassian ships, we would not have taken them so soundly. The blood you shed deserves recognition."

[size=7.5pt]Blood Service Decoration for Foreign Service to the Empire, awarded to Nira and Jael. Image is art from the Star Trek RPG Sourcebook 'The Klingons'.[/size]

The item was the Blood Service Decoration for Foreign Service to the Empire, a Klingon Imperial medal recognized and allowed by Starfleet as a foreign symbol of meritorious service. Captain Kohor stepped back, nodding to the assembled warriors, and dismissing them. Nira and Jael were left with many of their Klingon comrades near them, many of them coming forward to congratulate the Captains and Battlemasters. Kergh and Shas were present, but unsurprisingly, kept to themselves at the rear of the Bridge. D'Lorra came out of nowhere to excitedly shake Nira's hand, squeezing it strongly as though it was some last contest between them. Most of the Klingons were cautious around Jael; despite her efforts on their behalf, they were mistrustful of the Cardassian among them. It might take more than blood and a medal to change that...

Both women had the opportunity to have a final conversation with any of the assembled before they were set to beam out, returning to Starfleet for their next assignments...

[Nira Said]

[Bridge - IKS TajHu - Klothor Base and Mining Colony - Pheben IV]

It had been a week since the successful, though bloody, engagements in the Danjika System. The task force of the TajHu, the Mat'Ha and the pair of K-32's had been victorious in their heroic effort to end the piratical raids of the Cardassian brigands. The crews had been routed handily, and the captured Bridge crew made for valuable prisoners; many of them were transferred to the custody of Starfleet Intelligence, though the Captain of the Rasilak Shelem was given to House I'Prgho as some kind of restitution for the damage done to that House's holdings. Nira, and Jael, were given one last part of their assignment, which was to be completed on the Bridge of the TajHu...

Arrayed on the Bridge of the TajHu were the captains of the three I'Prgho freighters, the captains of the two K-32's, and the First Officer of the Mat'Ha, whose Captain was slain in the destruction of the Rasilak-class Cardassian fighter after its successful boarding. Also among the group was a Battlemaster of the Mat'Ha and one of the K-32's respectively, as well as Battlemaster Thiq, Nira Said, and Jael Sherem. Captain Kohor, dour even in this moment, had finished telling the First Officer of the Mat'Ha that he was proud of the warrior's efforts in leading the ship after the honorable death of his Captain, and he had pinned a mdeal on him, and on the Battlemasters of the other ships, before he stood before Thiq, Nira, and Jael. Battlemaster Thiq had endured a brutal wound across his skull; the damaged flesh left a canyon through his hair, and his sense of balance had been thrown into complete chaos. He had to move slowly, suffering vertigo near-constantly even on flat surfaces. More than one, he had been spotted placing a hand on nearby surfaces to steady himself. Even to Nira, the non-Klingon, there was a sense of worry about his future as a Battlemaster without such an important kinetic sense. Would his fellow warriors listen to him, be led by him, if this disability was permanent? The Klingon disdain for proper medical care, or for having a physical disability, might mean that Thiq's future was in jeopardy.

"Battlemaster Thiq." Kohor began. "Your expertise, your skill as a warrior and a trainer of Klingons, made the success of our boarding possible. You led my troops aboard their vessel, and you put your body and life on the line so that the Bridge of the Shelem could be stolen from the enemy. I grant you this, the Decoration of the Warrior's Sacrifice." Thiq's face was as grim as Kohor's as the medal was pinned on the warrior's chest. The medal recognized the loss, made it formal, but also made it an honorable and recognized sacrifice. Perhaps... perhaps it would help, rather than hinder Thiq's recovery...

The Captain then stood before Nira and Jael, his expression shifting to one a little softer, a little easier. "Lieutenant Said, Ensign Shelem. You shed blood for this Empire, a fighting force of which you are not members. Lieutenant Said, your efforts in training our soldiers gave them valuable insight into the Cardassian fighting style. Your tactics vexed the enemy, and your twin blades, your own daqtaghs, served you well during the boarding. Ensign Shelem, your wicked treachery makes you a dangerous warrior, and without your knowledge of the Cardassian ships, we would not have taken them so soundly. The blood you shed deserves recognition."

The item was the Blood Service Decoration for Foreign Service to the Empire, a Klingon Imperial medal recognized and allowed by Starfleet as a foreign symbol of meritorious service. Captain Kohor stepped back, nodding to the assembled warriors, and dismissing them. Nira and Jael were left with many of their Klingon comrades near them, many of them coming forward to congratulate the Captains and Battlemasters. Kergh and Shas were present, but unsurprisingly, kept to themselves at the rear of the Bridge. D'Lorra came out of nowhere to excitedly shake Nira's hand, squeezing it strongly as though it was some last contest between them. Most of the Klingons were cautious around Jael; despite her efforts on their behalf, they were mistrustful of the Cardassian among them. It might take more than blood and a medal to change that...

Both women had the opportunity to have a final conversation with any of the assembled before they were set to beam out, returning to Starfleet for their next assignments...

[Lieutenant Nira Said - Bridge - IKS TajHu - Klothor Base and Mining Colony - Pheben IV]

Nira was amazed at how everything turned out in the week that followed the battle. Training with the Battlemasters had honed her skills to the point where she became an expert at her blades. Jael, having joined the crew after "defecting" from the Cardassians, would watch with interest before she joined along, for the sake of melee combat practice. Nira was impressed at Jael's ability to read body language; she learned that the Cardassian had inherited the ability from her father, though she intended to use it for good as a Counselor, though she started off as a science officer.

Nira and Jael were certainly surprised that they were getting medals for their roles in the battle. They were both thinking the same thing: those medals were the first they had ever gotten, and they weren't even from Starfleet. They both reflected, though, that they made quite an impact among the crew of the TajHu...Nira more than Jael, of course.

Nira was happy especially to speak with D'Lorra one last time before going back to Discovery. The two had become excellent friends. Nira only wished she could say goodbye to Chigorra, but the Klingon Ambassador had gone a day or two after the battle to serve her ambassadorial duties.

"It's been an honor serving with you, D'Lorra," she said. "I will miss you. All of you."

Well, not necessarily those turds Kergh and Shas, she added to herself.

"And I, you, Princess," said Thiq, limping over. D'Lorra nodded in her smile. "I believe you have a gift for the Princess?"

D'Lorra responded by producing a Mek'leth...and it was unique as well...it was in a particular shape, looking as elegant as an Arabic scimitar...and there were markings all over...Klingon pictographs among the patterns, Nira spotted them with her keen eyes...

"A blade of your own bestowed by House Korath," said Kohor, joining in. "And many of the crew have carved their names into it as it was forged, your fellow crew, as a way to remember us by."

Nira smiled. Taking a good look at the blade, and the markings on it, and given how well she had learned the Klingon language, Nira realized that the names of the crew were carved among the patterns if she looked closely enough. She noticed Kergh and Shas' names weren't on it, and Nira didn't care.

"My thanks, Kohor, son of Korath," she said with a smile, and grasping his hand. "I will certainly think of you all when I wield this blade."

"I have no doubt you will," Thiq replied. "And I certainly hope you will find the House you seek. The House of Betazed you know not."

"Thank you, Battlemaster," said Nira in a slight bow of respect.

"We will be glad to take you back to your ship," said Kohor. "I've no doubt those two pet'aqs will want to settle their affairs and make sure things are well with their House," he added, looking at Kergh and Shas as he spoke.

"Oh, I agree," said Nira. "They'll want to get back to Danjika as soon as possible to fix things up and ensure their merchant fleet's safety, I've heard Kergh saying that to those freighter captains."

"Of course," said Kohor. "I'd certainly like to meet your Captain Tekin. Who knows? I'd certainly be glad to help them in their affairs with the Romulans, especially since you've made friends here among us."

Nira nodded, and she especially made note to inquire about her Betazoid family when she got back. She looked back at Jael and said, "What about you, Ensign? Back to the Athena?"

"I doubt it," Jael said gloomily. "More likely to Katra, but I'm planning on changing ships and departments as soon as I can."

"Well, I hope we'll meet again, though," Nira replied. "And you all as well," she added to Kohor, Thiq and D'Lorra.